Bradshaw picked to lead FGCU

Former Ohio State president Karen Holbrook pulls out at last minute

Wilson "Brad" Bradshaw pulled out a stuffed eagle to start his interview Saturday at the Florida Gulf Coast University's Board of Trustees meeting.

With the help of the FGCU mascot, Bradshaw added a bit of levity to what would become a tense day.

Trustees later picked Bradshaw, 57, over Greg Weisenstein to be the university's third president. Karen Holbrook, the third finalist and former president of The Ohio State University, took her name out of the running as trustees prepared to vote.

Though Bradshaw's unanimous appointment came amidst the controversy over Holbrook's surprise withdrawal, some said it was a forgone conclusion.

"In my opinion, we would have had the same end result," said Scott Lutgert, chairman of the Board of Trustees. "It wouldn't have been any different."

Calling it the best day of his life, Bradshaw, president of Metropolitan State University, joked he was going to do his "happy dance" when he got back to his hotel room.

"It may not surprise any of you when I say that this was a grueling but honest process," Bradshaw said. "A lot of people who cherish this university have done a lot of hard work on its behalf. I am so pleased to be the next president as this fine institution enters its second decade. I can't imagine a better day in my life."

Bradshaw became the university's third president exactly 10 years to the day after the institution opened. He replaces Bill Merwin, who resigned in January after admitting to having an affair with a faculty member. FGCU's founding president was Roy McTarnaghan, who retired in 1999.

Bradshaw will take the position once contract negotiations are settled. Negotiations should begin later this week.

The controversy of Holbrook's last-minute decision didn't faze him.

"I think every step of the process was an open process," Bradshaw said. "I think the process was fair, honest, open, transparent and not tarnished."

Holbrook didn't officially give an explanation for her decision but it came after a public comment period in which one of the university's founders said the search should be continued because there was no candidate that fit the needs of FGCU.

Members of the university's foundation also asked that the board interview and consider internal candidate Joe Shepard along with the other three candidates.

"My concern is that I did not see a candidate that fit the needs of Florida Gulf Coast University to the degree that we should expect and demand," said Ben Hill Griffin, one of the university's founders and a major donor. "I believe we should continue the search for this president."

Holbrook first asked that Lutgert recess the meeting so she could talk with him, delivering the message through Jan Greenwood, president of Greenwood and Associates, the firm hired by the university to conduct the presidential search. One board member already had endorsed her.

Moments later, Greenwood handed a note to Lutgert that read: "Dr. Holbrook has withdrawn and there is no need for discussion. She wanted to tell Scott personally."

The note sparked discussion among board members, some of whom felt the integrity of the search process had been thrown into question.

"I believe we all came here today convinced that we had three good candidates," said Edward Morton, vice chairman of the search committee. "I now question whether or not that process, though conducted in good faith, has resulted in only two candidates through no fault of anyone."

The board debated whether to bring in Shepard as a third candidate or move forward with the two candidates.

Trustee David Lucas drew jeers from the crowd when he wondered whether the board should consult the remaining candidates about bringing Shepard into the mix.

A motion to move forward with the two candidates passed 9-4.

Morton then made a motion, which was seconded by Larry Hart, to appoint Bradshaw as the university's president.

"My preference is for Dr. Bradshaw because I believe that he will instill within our community a sense of trust, likeability, togetherness that will bring this community together," Morton said. ... "He has done a remarkable job of building within people a sense of trust."

Before the vote, members of the board wanted to make sure there was consensus on a candidate, so they went around the room, revealing whom they supported. Bradshaw was the clear victor, receiving 10 of the 13 votes.

Board members said Weisenstein was a strong candidate but were worried about his lack of fundraising experience and that he has never served as a university president.

"Dr. Bradshaw far exceeds what we are looking for today," Hart said. "There is no doubt in my mind that we have a builder that is already a problem solver with seven years in an institution. Dr. Bradshaw has all of the tools he needs to get into the automobile and drive it."

Members of the community also supported Bradshaw.

"Obviously, I'm happy," said Willie Green, president of the Lee County chapter of the NAACP. "I'm very happy. It's not just a step in the right direction for people of color but a step in the right direction for all of us."

At a press conference after the vote, Bradshaw said his presidency will start with some reflection to prepare the university for the future.

"I want to feel the character and get the rhythm and soul of Florida Gulf Coast University," Bradshaw said. "Then we can talk about common goals."

Upon becoming the first black president at FGCU, Bradshaw said, "Throughout my career, I've had many firsts as an African-American."

After a short reception, Bradshaw walked out of the university's student union center with the stuffed eagle that had broken the ice.

One trustee commented that Bradshaw likely will be around to bring the eagle back to the university's 20th anniversary.

"I think the eagle has landed," said trustee Halcyon St. Hill, president of the university's Faculty Senate.